3C is a project lithium high grade recently discovered in Argentina, located 30 kilometers from the border with Chile and 154 kilometers from the Catamarca town of Fiambalá. The partners of “3 Cruces” own 27,540 hectares adjacent to the “Tres Quebradas” project (3Q)which was previously in the hands of Neo Lithium Corp., and now it went to China Zijin Corporation.
The first works at 3C began in December 2023, with the consolidation of mining rights with its epicenter in the Tres Cruces Volcano and the alluvial cone, next to the Tres Quebradas Salt Flats. In total, 3 Cruces controls another 50,000 hectares of neighboring areas. According to Central Puerto, preliminary geophysical results also confirm a shared geology with Tres Quebradas, so high grades and low impurities are expected.
“This initiative reaffirms the company’s commitment to accompany the development of the Argentine mining industry, especially in those projects linked to the production of critical elements for the energy transition, which also represents a significant boost for the economic and social development of the province. “, highlighted the company in a statement sent to Energy Report.
Central Puerto has 14 electricity generation plants of various technologies, an installed generation capacity of 6,703 MW, more than 1,600 employees and produces 20% of the country’s total energy. But now it is expanding its investment in mining with a 27.5% stake in the “3 Cruces” project.
“This decision aligns with the company’s vision of focusing on export industries that show high comparative advantages and consolidating itself as a key player in the value chain of electric mobility and renewable energies,” the company indicated.
Fernando Bonnetgeneral manager of the energy company, stated: “This investment not only represents an important milestone in Central Puerto’s growth strategy, but also a unique opportunity to promote the development of the southern region of Catamarca. The 3 Cruces project will generate employment of quality for the inhabitants of the region, promoting economic and social growth”.
Furthermore, Bonner added that “As part of this project we are committed to contributing all our capacity to collaborate in carrying out this project in a responsible manner, respecting the environment and working closely with local communities.”
It is no coincidence that weeks ago Central Port and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)a member of the World Bank Group, signed an agreement to carry out feasibility studies for the high-voltage line for mining in the Puna.
The initiative – which is not the only one, but the first to be announced publicly – provides for an estimated total investment of US$600 million, to build a high voltage line (LAT) 140 kilometers, originating from the Puna Transformer Station (ET). The project foresees a potential capacity of up to 400MW offering competitive energy supply mainly from renewable sources.
“Lithium is a strategic mineral for the future of energy and mobility, and we are convinced that “3 Cruces” has the potential to become a benchmark project for the region,” the company noted.
Source: Ambito
